Vacuuming remains a chore few truly enjoy. Fortunately, modern technology offers solutions in the form of smart robotic vacuum cleaners. Neato, an American company, positions itself as a premium brand with a price to match. This review assesses whether the Neato D8 lives up to its premium expectations.
The Neato D8 is a flagship model released last year with an initial price of 8,000 SEK. Currently priced under 3,000 SEK, it now competes directly with popular brands like Xiaomi, RoboRock, and iRobot. With a RoboRock E4 already in our testing environment, a direct comparison proves insightful.
Our testing period for the Neato D8 has been extensive. Early performance was initially problematic, with the robot exhibiting navigation issues, circling repeatedly, and disregarding No-Go zones defined in the app. Recent software updates have significantly improved performance, coinciding with a substantial price reduction. The Neato D8 presents several key advantages: its exceptional ability to navigate high thresholds and door sills is notable. It also demonstrates effective maneuvering in confined spaces, such as under tables and around chair legs. The D-shaped design allows for effective cleaning in corners, and suction power ranks among the best we’ve evaluated. The Neato D8 is a compelling option for sparsely furnished homes with securely placed, substantial rugs. Its heavier build provides more thorough cleaning but also increases the potential for wear on delicate surfaces.
However, the Neato D8 is not without its drawbacks. Like many competitors, it struggles with lightweight rugs, potentially damaging edges that become entangled in the rotor blades. Our RoboRock exhibits similar behavior, highlighting a common issue. Consider the weight and stability of your rugs or secure them to the floor before purchasing any robotic vacuum. The Neato D8 features automatic surface detection, adjusting vacuuming and suction power accordingly. The initial price of 8,000 SEK was excessive, particularly given the previously unreliable software. Earlier versions suffered from navigation problems, frequent stalling, and excessive alerts requiring user intervention. These issues have been largely addressed with software updates. The app now allows for scheduled cleaning, enabling users to return to a freshly vacuumed home. With a full charge, the vacuum provides 100 minutes of operation and can automatically return to its docking station to recharge and resume cleaning as needed.
The Neato D8 lacks a floor washing function, a feature we generally avoid without supervision on parquet floors. The RoboRock E4 and E5 are available for a lower price point. The D8’s advantages, primarily its obstacle climbing and corner cleaning capabilities, may justify the higher price depending on individual needs and preferences. While robotic vacuum cleaners have improved in both performance and affordability, challenges remain. The risk to certain rugs is a significant concern, and effective operation requires careful consideration of interior design and a clutter-free environment. Furthermore, selecting furniture with sufficient clearance is essential for under-furniture cleaning; otherwise, manual vacuuming is still required, diminishing the product’s overall value. Regular maintenance, including rotor blade cleaning and filter replacement, adds to the annual operating cost.
For homes with open spaces, stable rugs, and minimal floor clutter, the Neato D8 represents a viable robotic vacuum cleaner option, even amidst competing brands that offer lower prices or alternative feature sets.
Neato provided test samples of this product. The provision of review samples does not influence our editorial objectivity.
